"The Golden Age" - The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

I've been waiting almost a year for the release of the Asteroids Galaxy Tour's debut album, Fruit. Though it's still a few weeks away (the U.S. release is Oct 13), I figured this new video should help tide me over until then. You may recall this band first gathered attention by being featured on an Apple ad last Summer. Since then this Danish ensemble has been busy touring all over Europe, so busy in fact it's caused them to take a while to finally get their album out there. Once it drops, I'll be crossing my fingers that a U.S. tour will soon follow.

"Crying Lightning" - Arctic Monkeys

When the movie Casino Royale was released a few years back, basically reviving the James Bond franchise, many critics lauded the film describing it as 'not your father's James Bond.' By that they meant that this new Bond was a little darker, a little troubled, a little rough around the edges. The same analogy comes to mind in describing this track, the first single off of the Arctic Monkeys soon to be released third album 'Humbug'. Whether this more brooding sound is a sign of the band heading in a new direction, or rather simply the influence of producer Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), I believe it's always refreshing when a band brings something unique to each release. Plus, not since T-Pain has anyone rocked this hard on a boat.

"Rats" - U.S. Royalty

Last week a friend of mine was watching this band perform at the Black Cat, and was so impressed by their performance texted during their set just to alert me of their awesomeness. As this endorsement came from a very reliable source I felt I owed it to her to check them out as soon as it was humanly possible. The band at the center of all this acclaim? None other than Washington D.C.'s very own 'U.S. Royalty.' I'll confess that despite considering myself a pretty big music fan, I can't say I'm all that in touch with the local music scene. However, U.S. Royalty certainly rocks in the vein of Cold War Kids, and if this track is any indication, could be poised for bigger things. Not sure when their album is dropping, so in the meantime keep your eyes peeled for their next performance at one of our local venues.

"Sweet Disposition" - The Temper Trap

If you've already seen the film '500 Days of Summer', then there's a good chance you are already acquainted with this song as it is featured prominently on the soundtrack. Much like the turbulent relationship between the two leads in the film, the song alternates between slow steady build ups followed by spurts of intensity. The band is The Temper Trap, and comes to us all the way from Melbourne, Australia. Their debut album 'Conditions' will be released stateside on August 13, but if you can't wait til then you can download the single now to tide you over.

"All The Same to Me" - Anya Marina

After a couple weeks off we are back with some new material. First on the agenda: a talented singer by the name of Anya Marina. If I could describe this song in only one word, I think the most appropriate adjective would be 'frisky.' It's the second single off her album 'Slow & Steady Seduction' released back in January. If you dig it, be sure to check out her awesome cover of TI's 'Whatever You Like' -- which can be found on her myspace page.